Question

Explain diagonal relationship between lithium and magnesium with respect to: 

i. Property of chlorides 

ii. Thermal decomposition of their carbonates

Answer 1

Both lithium and magnesium show similarities in various physical and chemical properties as follows:

i. Property of chlorides: Chlorides of lithium (LiCl) and magnesium (MgCl₂) are

deliquescent as group 2 elements form deliquescent chlorides. These chlorides form corresponding hydrates (LiCl.2H₂O and MgCl₂ .8H₂O) on crystallization from their aqueous solutions.

ii. Thermal decomposition of carbonates: Heating of lithium carbonate and magnesium carbonate results in their easy decomposition to form corresponding oxides and carbon dioxide (CO₂).